Interspecific tree named ‘Redondo’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree. The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Tree having a vigorous, semi-spreading growth habit.   2. Tree being a regular and productive bearer of medium to large size fruit.   3. Fruit with an attractive orange skin color.   4. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality.   5. Fruit with an average Brix of 20.1°.

Botanical designation: Interspecific Prunus species.

Variety denomination: ‘REDONDO’.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuing plant-breeding program including the organization and asexual reproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries, almonds and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against this background of our activities that the present variety of interspecific tree was originated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Stanislaus County, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of interspecific trees, which are known to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Late Brittney’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,921), ‘Summer Cot’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 23,864) and our proprietary non-patented interspecific selections ‘15M39’, ‘39ZK329’ and ‘13MA480’.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new variety of interspecific tree, a combination of crosses between Prunus armeniaca, Prunus salicina and Prunus persica was originated by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif. from crosses between the proprietary non-patented interspecific varieties with the field identification numbers ‘15M39’ and ‘39ZK329’. The seed parent (15M39) originated as an open pollinated seedling selection of ‘Late Brittney’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,921). The pollen parent (39ZK329) originated as an open pollinated seedling selection of the proprietary non-patented interspecific seedling ‘13MA480’. A large number of these first generation seedlings were budded onto older established trees of ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented) to enhance earlier fruit production. Under close and careful observation the present seedling exhibited desirable fruit and tree characteristics and was selected in 2010 for additional asexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

In 2010 asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of interspecific tree was by budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows that reproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics of the tree and its fruit are established and transmitted through succeeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of interspecific tree Apricot×Plum×Peach is of large size, vigorous, semi-spreading growth and a regular and productive bearer of medium to large size, orange flesh, freestone fruit. The fruit is further characterized by having an attractive orange skin color, very good flavor and eating quality and having good storage and shipping quality. In comparison to its non-patented interspecific seed parent ‘15M39’ the fruit of the new variety is approximately 8 days later in maturity. In comparison to its non-patented interspecific pollen parent ‘39ZK329’ the fruit of the new variety is approximately 24 days later in maturity. In comparison to the commercial variety ‘Summer Cot’ Interspecific (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 23,864) the fruit of the new variety is approximately 28 days earlier in maturity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPH

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimens of the foliage and fruit of the present new interspecific variety.

The illustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, an exterior and sectional view of a single fruit divided in its suture plane to show flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place:

The photographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shipping ripe) from a 5 year old tree and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety of interspecific tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of 5 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color in accordance with Munsell Book of Color published in 1958.

-   Tree:     -   -   Size.—Large, usually pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and             width for economical harvesting of fruit. Varies with             different cultural practices.         -   Vigor.—Vigorous, tree growth of approximately 1.5 to 2             meters the first growing season. Varies with cultural             practice, soil type, fertility of soil and climatic             conditions.         -   Form.—Semi-spreading, usually pruned to vase shape.         -   Branching habit.—Semi-spreading, crotch angle approximately             35°, increases with heavy crop load.         -   Productivity.—Productive, thinning and spacing of fruit             necessary for desired market size. Fruit set varies with             climatic conditions during bloom time.         -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 3 consecutive years. No             alternate bearing observed.         -   Fertility.—Self fertile, sets fruit under bag.         -   Density.—Medium dense, usually pruned to vase shape to             increase air movement and sunlight to center of tree to             enhance fruit color and health of fruit spurs.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of             California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter             chilling requirement approximately 900 hours at or below 45°             F. -   Trunk:     -   -   Size.—Medium to large. Average circumference 59.7 cm at 25.4             cm above ground on a 5 year old tree.         -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.         -   Texture.—Medium shaggy, roughness increases with age.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5Y 5/2 to 2.5Y 4/2. -   Branches:     -   -   Size.—Medium. Average circumference 13.7 cm at 1.2 meters             above ground on a 5 year old tree. Crotch angle             approximately 35°, increases with heavy crop load.         -   Surface texture.—New growth relatively smooth. Mature growth             medium rough, roughness increases with age.         -   Lenticels.—Average number 41 in a 25.8 square cm area.             Average length 3.1 mm. Average width 1.5 mm. Color varies             from 2.5Y 7/8 to 2.5Y 6/8.         -   Color.—New growth varies from 5GY 5/8 to 7.5R 2/8. Mature             growth varies from 7.5YR 2/4 to 10YR 3/4, varies with age of             growth. -   Leaves:     -   -   Size.—Small to medium. Average length 72.3 mm. Average width             57.5 mm.         -   Form.—Ovate.         -   Apex.—Acuminate.         -   Base.—Cuneate.         -   Margin.—Doubly serrate.         -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight             indentations over midrib and leaf veins. Lower surface             relatively smooth, except for small ridges created by midrib             and pinnate venation. Both upper and lower surfaces             glabrous.         -   Petiole.—Medium. Average length 24.5 mm. Average width             1.3 mm. Longitudinally grooved. Surface — glabrous. Color             varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 7.5R 3/4.         -   Glands.—Type — reniform. Size — medium. Average length             1.1 mm. Average diameter 0.9 mm. Average number 3, varies             from 2 to 4. Located primarily on the upper portion of the             petiole and base of leaf blade. Color varies from 7.5R 3/4             to 7.5R 2/4.         -   Stipules.—Average length 7.7 mm. Average number 2. Edges —             pectinate. Color varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 7.5R 3/4.         -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 5GY 4/6 to 5GY 3/6. Lower             surface varies from 2.5GY 4/4 to 5GY 4/4. Midvein color             varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 6/6. -   Flower buds:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 14.3 mm. Average diameter 8.4             mm.         -   Hardiness.—Hardy with respect to California winters.         -   Form.—Conical, becoming elongated just before opening.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 1.8 mm. Average width 1.2 mm. Color             varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 7/6. Surface — glabrous.         -   Color.—Varies from 7.5RP 9/2 to 7.5RP 7/8.         -   Number of buds per spur.—Varies from 7 to 13, average 9.             Varies with age of spur. -   Flowers:     -   -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 24, 2014. Date of             Petal Fall Mar. 5, 2014, varies slightly with climatic             conditions.         -   Size.—Medium to large. Average height 15.8 mm. Average             diameter 22.3 mm.         -   Petals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Size —             large. Average length 12.0 mm. Average width 12.2 mm. Shape             — orbicular. Arrangement — overlapping. Petal apex —             rounded. Petal base — rounded to somewhat truncated. Margin             — sinuate. Color varies from 5RP 9/2 to 7.5RP 9/2, fades             with age of flower. Both upper and lower surfaces glabrous.         -   Sepals.—Normally 5, alternately arranged to petals. Size —             large. Average length 5.4 mm. Average width 5.0 mm. Shape —             ovate. Margin — entire. Apex — rounded to triangular. Both             upper and lower surfaces glabrous. Color — upper surface             varies from 2.5R 2/6 to 5R 2/8. Lower surface varies from 5R             2/4 to 5R 2/6.         -   Stamens.—Average number per flower 33. Average filament             length 10.5 mm. On average, the stamens are even with the             height of the petals. Filament color N 9.5/ (white). Anther             color varies from 5Y 8/8 to 5Y 8/10.         -   Pollen.—Self fertile, sets fruit under bag. Color varies             from 2.5Y 7/10 to 5Y 7/8.         -   Pistil.—Number — normally one. Surface — pubescent. Average             length 14.0 mm. Position of stigma even with anthers. Color             varies from 7.5Y 8/6 to 10Y 8/6.         -   Fragrance.—Heavy.         -   Color.—Varies from 7.5RP 9/2 to 10RP 9/2, depending on age             of flower.         -   Pedicel.—Average length 2.5 mm. Average width 1.4 mm. Color             varies from 10Y 7/6 to 2.5GY 7/6. Surface — glabrous.         -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Average 2, varies from 1 to             3. -   Fruit:     -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe and ready for             consumption.         -   Date of first picking.—Jul. 17, 2014.         -   Date of last picking.—Jul. 27, 2014, varies slightly with             climatic conditions.         -   Size.—Medium to large. Average diameter axially 56.1 mm.             Average 63.7 mm transversely in suture plane. Average across             suture plane 57.3 mm. Average weight 119.3 grams, varies             slightly with fertility of the soil, amount of thinning and             climatic conditions.         -   Form.—Globose to slightly elongated.         -   Suture.—Slightly lipped, extends from base toward apex.         -   Ventral surface.—Slightly lipped.         -   Apex.—Retuse.         -   Base.—Retuse.         -   Stem cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.             Average depth 8.8 mm. Average diameter 4.5 mm. -   Stem:     -   -   Size.—Small. Average length 4.9 mm. Average diameter 3.0 mm.         -   Color.—Varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 2.5GY 6/8. -   Flesh:     -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.         -   Texture.—Firm, meaty.         -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.         -   Firmness.—Firm, comparable to other commercial apricot             varieties.         -   Aroma.—Moderate.         -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.         -   Eating quality.—Very good.         -   Flavor.—Very good, with a good balance between acid and             sugar.         -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.         -   Acidity.—Not available.         -   Brix.—Average Brix 20.1°, varies slightly with amount of             fruit per tree and climatic conditions.         -   Color.—Varies from 7.5YR 7/12 to 10YR 8/10.         -   Pit cavity.—Average length 32.0 mm. Average width 26.9 mm.             Average depth 9.3 mm. Color varies from 7.5YR 7/12 to 7.5YR             7/14. -   Skin:     -   -   Thickness.—Medium.         -   Surface.—Smooth to very slightly waffled.         -   Pubescence.—Light, short in length.         -   Tendency to crack.—None.         -   Color.—Color varies from 7.5YR 7/10 to 10YR 7/10.         -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.         -   Astringency.—Undetected. -   Stone:     -   -   Type.—Freestone, weak adherence.         -   Size.—Large. Average length 29.2 mm. Average width 24.9 mm.             Average thickness 14.5 mm.         -   Form.—Ovoid.         -   Base.—Flat.         -   Apex.—Rounded.         -   Surface.—Lightly pitted throughout. One shallow groove on             each side of suture extending from base toward apex.         -   Sides.—Unequal, one side extending further outward from             suture plane.         -   Ridges.—Very small and short, extending from base towards             apex.         -   Tendency to split.—None.         -   Color.—Varies from 10YR 4/2 to 10YR 3/2 when dry. -   Kernel:     -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 18.7 mm. Average width 15.1 mm.             Average depth 7.6 mm.         -   Form.—Ovoid.         -   Viability.—Viable, complete embryo development.         -   Skin color.—Varies from 5Y 9/2 to 10YR 6/4. -   Use:     -   -   Dessert.—Market — local and long distance. -   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage for 3 weeks at 38°     to 42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or     appreciable loss of eating quality. -   Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or flesh     bruising during picking, packing and shipping trials. -   Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing     for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been     designed. Under close observation during planting, growing and     harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions     near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance     or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety observed during     indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal fungus, bacterial,     virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and eliminated from our     breeding program. No atypical resistances/susceptibilities have been     noted under normal cultural practices. The present new variety of     interspecific tree, its flowers foliage and fruit herein described     may vary in slight detail due to climate, soil conditions and     cultural practices under which the variety may be grown. The present     description is that of the variety grown under the ecological     conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of interspecific tree, substantially as illustrated and described. 